The primary objective of the event was to help students and the wider community understand the importance of mental well-being and to promote a positive outlook towards mental health.
The event was graced by Mr. M. K. Raut, retired IAS officer, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Pushpendra Meena, IAS and GST Commissioner of Chhattisgarh, as the Special Guest. Both dignitaries shared their valuable insights on the topic of mental health.
In his address, Mr. M. K. Raut emphasized, “Whenever we feel mentally disturbed or unstable, it is very important to talk to someone.” He further stated that friendship and open communication are among the greatest supports for mental well-being.
Mr. Pushpendra Meena, in his speech, elaborated on the “Samvedna” initiative, which is working actively towards psychological well-being in the state of Chhattisgarh. He shared that this initiative has seen great success in the districts of Durg, Kondagaon, and Bilaspur. To address challenges such as the shortage of doctors, crisis management, and community support, MBBS doctors and Anganwadi workers have been trained with the help of NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Improvements in mental health have been achieved through psychiatric medication, counseling, and particularly through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He also highlighted that tele-consultation is a major component of the Samvedna initiative, enabling people in remote areas to access mental health services. The core message of the initiative is “Aao Baat Karein” (Come, let’s talk), which encourages open dialogue and awareness about mental health. The program was presided over by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) K. P. Yadav, who remarked, “Mental health is not just about illness, it is the foundation of overall quality of life.”
At the conclusion of the event, Mr. Gokulananda Panda, Registrar of MATS University, expressed gratitude to all the guests and urged students to remain aware and conscious about their mental well-being. Dr. Shaista Ansari, Head of the Psychology Department, inspired students to maintain enthusiasm and self-confidence in life. Faculty members of the department were also present during the event. Additionally, while the Chancellor Mr. Gajraj Pagaria and Director General Mr. Priyesh Pagaria could not attend the event in person, they conveyed their best wishes to the students and encouraged them to move forward with determination and hard work.
